• Research.fi FI, EN

Research.fi, the Finnish science and technology information service contains key statistics and other data on Finnish science and technology. There are also links for more in-depth information: statistical and other publications, documents and databases.

• Tekes FI, EN

Tekes, Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation is the main public funding organisation for research and development in Finland. Tekes funds industrial projects as well as projects in research organisations, and especially promotes innovative, risk-intensive projects. Tekes offers partners from abroad a gateway to the key technology players in Finland.

• Sitra FI, EN

Sitra, the Finnish National Fund for Research and Development is an independent public foundation under the supervision of the Finnish Parliament. Through its activities, Sitra aims to promote the economic prosperity and the future success of Finland. Sitra's aim is to be a respected partner in building a knowledgeable and innovative society.

• The Academy of Finland FI, EN

The Academy of Finland provides funding for high-quality scientific research, serves as an expert in science and science policy, and strengthens the position of science and research.

• The Science and Technology Policy Council of Finland FI EN

The Science and Technology Policy Council of Finland, chaired by the Prime Minister, advises the Council of State and its Ministries in questions relating to science and technology. The Council is responsible for the strategic development and coordination of Finnish science and technology policy as well as of the national innovation system as a whole.

• The Committee for the Future FI, EN

The Committee for the Future conducts research associated with futures studies, including their methodology. The Committee also functions as a parliamentary body that conducts assessments of technological development and the effects on society of technology.

• The Ministry of the employment and the economy FI, EN

The Ministry of Employment and the Economy was established on 1 January 2008. The Ministry’s mandate comprehends duties assigned to the current Ministry or Trade and Industry, tasks assigned to the Ministry of Labour (excl. matters related to immigration and integration), and functions of the Ministry of the Interior Department for Development of Regions and Public Administration (excl. Regional and Local Administration Unit).

• VTT FI, EN

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is the biggest contract research organisation in Northern Europe. Its objective is to develop new technologies, create new innovations and value added thus increasing customer's competencies. With its know how VTT produces research, development, testing and information services to public sector and companies as well as international organisations.

• Innofin FI, EN

Innofin, the Foundation for Finnish Inventions supports and helps private individuals and small entrepreneurs residing in Finland to develop and exploit invention proposals. The Foundation´s constantly updated Invention Market provides entrepreneurs with new business and product ideas for licensing.

• TEKEL FI, EN

Finnish Science Park Association TEKEL is a nationwide cooperation network connecting 24 science parks and technology centres in Finland's university cities. Established in 1988, TEKEL coordinates and implements cooperation among science parks, and acts as a mediator between policymakers and science parks.

• The Centre of Expertise Programme FI, EN

The Centre of Expertise Programme was launched in 1994 in eight different Centres of Expertise. There currently exist 22 centres of expertise covering 45 fields of expertise, which have been appointed for the period of 2003-2006. The task of the centres of expertise is to use internationally competitive knowledge and skills as a resource for business activities, the creation of new jobs and regional development.

• TIEKE FI, EN

TIEKE Finnish Information Society Development Centre has a key networking role as a neutral and non-profit organisation. It promotes the efforts of its public and private sector members to create viable tools and expertise for use in the information society.

• INNOFINLAND FI, EN

INNOFINLAND promotes creativity, skill, entrepreneurial spirit and co-operation in Finland in a practical and creative way in order to nationally improve opportunities for wellbeing. Each year, the INNOFINLAND Project includes the following forms of activity: the INNOFINLAND Contest, regional INNOFINLAND events, the INNOSCHOOL Innovation Event for school pupils and the INNOINT Invention Contest for Conscripts.

• Finnvera FI, EN

Finnvera is a specialised financing company offering financing services to promote the domestic operations of Finnish businesses and to further exports and internationalisation of enterprises. Finnvera is owned by the Finnish state. It is Finland's official Export Credit Agency (ECA).

• Finpro FI, EN

Finpro is a consulting organization focused on accelerating the internationalization of Finnish companies while managing the risks involved. Finpro carries out this national task through a client-oriented approach in co-operation with other service organizations working towards the same goals. Its business areas are information and networking, consulting, and innovation programmes.

• Invest in Finland EN

Invest in Finland is an expert service organisation promoting foreign direct investment in Finland. This means assisting companies locate operations in Finland and also serving companies that have already established a presence here. Funded by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Invest in Finland has more than a decade of experience in providing investment services.


Design and Innovation

• Design Forum Finland FI, EN

Design Forum Finland promotes Finnish design. Its purpose is to reinforce the standing of design in the innovation system and to advance affluence and competitiveness in Finland. Its objective is to arouse the interest of the public, markets and consumers in design companies and the products they manufacture.

• Design for Business FI

Design for Business is a web service connecting SMEs and designers. The site will be soon available in English, too.

• The Institute for Design Research FI

The Institute for Design Research is an independent unit which provides the business community and the public sector with services in development and research related to styling and product design. The activities of the Institute for Design Research are aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Finnish companies through user-oriented design.

• Aalto University, The School of Arts, Design and Architecture FI, EN

Aalto Univeristy, The School of Arts, Design and Architecture is an institution of higher education for design, media, architecture, motion picture, art education and art. The new school, formed in a merger of the School of Art and Design and the Department of Architecture of the School of Engineering, will carry forward the internationally recognised expertise created by its predecessors. The School of Arts, Design and Architecture, which was founded in 1871 as Craft School, has grown into one of the most international universities in Finland. It is the largest in its field in the Nordic countries and one of the most respected in the world.

• Aalto University, The School of Economics, The International Design Business Management programme EN

The purpose of the IDBM program is to develop world-class expertise in global design business management through multidisciplinary research and learning that cuts across the areas of business, design and technology. The IDBM program aims to train skilled professionals for key roles in global design business. Arising from the needs of the industry, this program gives future marketers, engineering experts and designers an opportunity to practice important interpersonal skills through cooperative industry projects and specialized courses. The program builds on the business, design or technology skills and competence achieved at the bachelor’s level, enabling students to make full use of their own potential as members of interdisciplinary teams.

• Designium FI, EN

Designium, the New Centre of Innovation in Design, is built upon close collaboration between the University of Art and Design Helsinki, the University of Lapland, Helsinki University of Technology (HUT), and the Helsinki School of Economics (HSE). The cooperation also includes other universities, polytechnics, businesses and public organisations. The mission of Designium is to promote the development of national design policy and the internationalization of Finnish design. The aim is to develop design into a major competitive factor for Finnish industry.

• MUOVA FI, EN

MUOVA is a research and product development centre of University of Art and Design Helsinki and University of Vaasa. Its purpose is to promote the international competitiveness of SMEs through research, education and applying creative resources. Muova does research and develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of companies. MUOVA is located in Vaasa.

• Tekes' Industrial Design Technology Programme, study  EN

Tekes' Industrial Design Technology Programme (2002-2005) (DESIGN 2005 - Industrial Design - technology's counterpart in competitiveness) was launched early in 2002 with the intention of making industrial design an important part of international competitiveness. The aim was to raise the standard of design research and make use of design expertise in corporate product development and business strategy and to develop the services provided by design firms.